“I’m constantly in awe…” Jeff Southon, volunteer services manager, shares his thoughts
Jeff Southon is Pilgrims’ Volunteer Services & HR Manager and is responsible for developing volunteer services and processes for the more than 1,500 Pilgrims volunteers across east Kent. Jeff previously worked as Head of HR for another hospice in Dartford and Gravesend before moving to Pilgrims in 2015.
Jeff talks about his job and the incredible work Pilgrims’ volunteers do…
What struck you about Pilgrims when you first joined?
What immediately stood out was the sheer amount of volunteers and the range of roles they undertake! We’ve just over 1500 volunteers and about 750 are based in 32 shops. The rest are at the three hospices undertaking a range of activities, or are community fundraisers or are fundraising event supporters.
What does a typical volunteer do?
Our volunteers undertake a range of roles, it’s very diverse. From meeting and greeting people on the three hospice receptions, working in shops, supporting and marshalling events, arranging flowers, gardeners, catering assistants, complementary therapists, counsellors, hairdressers, administrators in all departments, money/donation counters, collections at events and supermarkets… Then there are our Ambassadors who spread the word about the hospice, raising its profile and collecting cheques from organisations and individuals who have raised money for us.
What contributions do volunteers make?
Volunteers are completely integral to the smooth running of the hospice. There is no doubt at all that without them we would could not raise the £11m we need each year in order to provide our services to patients and their families.
Volunteers bring a variety of skills and we look for opportunities to utilise their skills in order to make a positive difference. However, the most valuable attributes they can bring to the hospice are their commitment to the ethos of the charity and a positive approach to whatever role they undertake.
What can volunteers expect when they first join? What support do they get?
All volunteers receive an induction into the charity and have a named manager/supervisor/key worker from whom they receive support and guidance. Managers have lead responsibility for ensuring that volunteers feel part of their teams and receive appropriate communications.
We also have regular Volunteer Forums at each hospice and each shop has a bi-monthly meeting with their manager. At least twice a year there are ‘thank you events’, such as a dinner at Christmas and a summer tea party or BBQ.
This year, to encourage a ‘one workforce’ approach, the summer events will be a joint staff and volunteer ‘Paella and Pimms’ event. There is also a quarterly volunteer newsletter which covers organisational issues, news about our events and even some gardening tips!
We’re also starting to develop some specific volunteer training programmes which is a very exciting development!
Jeff Southon (centre) with volunteers Terry and Maureen Smith.
What has been your most satisfying moment so far?
There have been many, too many to mention! I am constantly in awe of the fact that so many people give so much of their time for free to support the charity. Their dedication and determination to do a good job and make a positive difference, in whatever role they undertake, can be extremely inspiring.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Volunteering can have a great many benefits for people. It can reduce social isolation, create friendship groups, help people to improve self-confidence and develop new skills which can improve their employability. People can use their professional skills for the benefit of others. Volunteering can be fun, while helping people at the heart of their own communities. There is evidence which suggests that volunteering has a positive effect on a person’s health and wellbeing generally.
I have no doubt that volunteering can be addictive for some people. There are many of our volunteers who spend a great deal of time supporting us, with a good many of those undertaking multiple roles. They clearly get a feeling of self-worth and pride and can see the difference the work they do makes to people, as well as having a positive impact on their own wellbeing – basically they just thoroughly enjoy what they do!
Have you ever been on the other side of the fence as a volunteer?
I have been a school governor on two occasions and also a non-executive director of a social enterprise which provides meals to schools. I also support quite a lot of our events, usually as a marshal. I learnt that I got a great deal of satisfaction from being able to use my experience and skills to improve children’s education through good governance and, at the social enterprise, it was rewarding to be able to ensure that school children were able to access wholesome and cost effective school dinners across Kent.
What tips do you have for those thinking about volunteering?
Try it! It’s not for everyone, but have a go and see what happens, it’s very likely that you will enjoy what you are doing, working with like-minded people who also enjoy their roles.
What’s been the greatest piece of advice you’ve had in terms of how to effectively manage and get the most out of volunteers?
Listen to them and the suggestions they have for improving things, understand their motivation, make sure they feel valued and appreciated every time they volunteer, not just at formal events. And reinforce the positive differences they make to the people they support, i.e. our patients, carers and family members in east Kent.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Pilgrims’ volunteer, visit our Volunteers page for more information.
Pilgrims and Porchlight work together for homeless and terminally ill people
People who are homeless and terminally ill can struggle to get the support they need. Pilgrims is working with homelessness charity Porchlight to address these issues.
The organisations are working collaboratively the specialist palliative care services for people living in one of Porchlight’s hostels or sleeping on the streets.
Because their needs are often more complex than a typical hospice patient, Porchlight and Pilgrims are bringing their expertise together. The aim is to ensure people nearing the end of their life receive the compassionate health and social care they deserve.
“Thankfully, the need for this type of support is rare but this partnership will be useful to those few who, sadly, will need palliative care” says Chris Coffey, Director of Operations at Porchlight.
“We look forward to working with and learning from colleagues at Pilgrims and organisations like St Mungo’s who are heading up new approaches in this area.”
Cate Russell, Pilgrims Hospices Chief Executive, said: “Pilgrims Hospices want to be sure its expertise in supporting people with terminal illness gets to everyone who needs it.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Porchlight; the special relationships and trust that their teams have forged with people who live on the street, gives us a means to reach out and share skills and insights that could make the all the difference to how comfortable someone is in their final days.
Cate Russell, Pilgrims Hospices Chief Executive
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Porchlight; the special relationships and trust that their teams have forged with people who live on the street, gives us a means to reach out and share skills and insights that could make the all the difference to how comfortable someone is in their final days.
“It is our mission to take hospice care ‘outside of the hospice walls ’. We want to be sure we are here for everyone in our community who needs our care and this sharing of resource is key to our being able to achieve our aim.”
The first steps towards this project took place at a Palliative Care for Homeless People workshop at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury on 18 May during Dying Matters Awareness Week. Staff from Pilgrims, Porchlight and the NHS attended to discuss their various specialisms and how these can be combined.
Guest speakers from St Mungo’s shared research from a similar project they operate in London.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
Pilgrims share awareness of Dementia Action Week
Nurses from Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet raised public and staff awareness on the small things that can be done to change the lives of people affected by dementia during Dementia Action Week (21-28 May).
Information boards were displayed during the week, encouraging people to take time to talk about advance care planning and end-of-life conversations.
Pilgrims Hospices nurses Debbie Beasley and Ro Kelk attended the free film night held at the Ann Robertson Centre in Canterbury on 24 May. The film Iris was shown, which depicts the true story of the lifelong romance between novelist Iris Murdoch and her husband John Bayley, from their student days through to her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Around 30 people attended the viewing with an opportunity to discuss the film and join in with a dementia Q&A session with Debbie and Ro afterwards. Pilgrims Hospices founder, Ann Robertson, also attended the event, sharing information on a project involving a local junior school and a person with dementia.
Debbie said: “We had some very positive feedback from the event. Being able to share our dementia patient and visitor experiences with people who have diverse levels of knowledge, along with a cup of tea and cake, was really rewarding.”
Jacqueline Wilkinson, Pilgrims Hospices dementia lead nurse at the Thanet hospice, said: “We ran our information stand in the hospice reception throughout the week. The focus was on reducing the risk of getting dementia, what matters to you and how you can help.
“It was good to raise awareness during Dementia Action Week and encourage visitors to share their experiences or gain a greater depth of knowledge around dementia.
“This could simply mean taking the time to reach out to someone with dementia for a chat. It’s vital that we support patients and sufferers in such difficult times. We’re very pleased to raise awareness for Dementia Action Week on behalf of Alzheimer’s Society.”
Share your carer story on social media by using the hashtags #PilgrimsLife and #CarersWeek and tagging us on Facebook and Twitter.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services as a patient or a carer, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. This Carers Week (11-17 June) the focus is on building communities that support the health and wellbeing of carers. The impact of caring on health and wellbeing should not be underestimated; this year’s campaign will share examples of how carers can stay Healthy and Connected.
5th June 2018
Maria: “Volunteering gave me a new community and sense of purpose”
When 52-year-old Maria Golds had to move from her lifelong home in Minster, Kent she worried about what the future held. It wasn’t until she started volunteering in Pilgrims’ shop in Broadstairs that a whole new world opened up, changing her life for the better.
Pilgrims volunteer Maria Golds was just 14-years-old when she had her first life-threatening stroke. The following year she had two more. Unbeknown to her at the time, Maria’s parents had been told she would continue to have strokes until the day it proved fatal.
Told there was little that could be done to help, Maria’s future looked uncertain. It wasn’t until a consultant surgeon at the local hospital said there was a small chance he could save her life that there was a ray of hope.
In her mid-teens, Maria underwent high-risk surgery to remove a clump of blood vessels from her brain. Against all odds, the operation went well and Maria survived without brain damage. From that point on, the only obvious signs of her condition were the drugs she needed to take daily and the brain scans that were needed to monitor her condition.
Fast forward nearly 35 years and Maria was faced with another life-changing event. Maria explains: “After living in Minster all my life, I had to leave because of circumstances out of my control. I was worried about moving to a place where I didn’t know anyone.
“At the same time, I was told I could no longer claim disability allowance and had to sign on to look for a job. I thought ‘How am I going to find a job? I don’t know anyone and don’t even know what I’m capable of.’”
After a change in medication which meant her seizures were under control, Maria got some work experience with Marks & Spencer and it was there that she got her first taste of retail.
“I realised how good it was to have a reason to get out of bed in the mornings and interact with people,” says Maria. “But unfortunately, the work experience soon came to an end. I knew I still wanted to do something to occupy my mind and didn’t want to sit at home all day watching TV. I’d done that and it was depressing.”
Maria got in touch with Thanet Volunteer Bureau and noticed that Pilgrims Hospices needed people. She didn’t hesitate.
“Both my parents passed away at Pilgrims’ Thanet hospice; my mum in 1995 and my father in 2008. The care they gave my parents was amazing and the respect they showed after they passed was fantastic.
“When I was offered the voluntary position in Pilgrims’ shop in Broadstairs I was very happy – it was good to give back to the hospice.”
Maria has now been volunteering in Broadstairs for a year. She was nervous about learning new things initially, but now “can’t get enough of it”. There’s never a dull day and Maria has many tales to tell.
She says that volunteering for Pilgrims has given her a new lease of life and a feeling that she’s now part of the community.
“I’ve got to know quite a few people in Broadstairs, including the other volunteers, our regular customers and those who come in to donate items. It’s lovely because it has given me a new community and sense of purpose.
“It also makes me feel good that I’m doing something that will help other people. That’s a really positive thing and I absolutely love it. I’d definitely recommend it to others!”
It’s #VolunteersWeek 1-7 June 2018 and during the next seven days, we’ll be celebrating the incredible things our volunteers do by sharing their stories.
A special ‘thank you’ to Maria and all those who volunteer to help others. If you’re interested in becoming a Pilgrims’ Volunteer, visit our Volunteers’ page to find out more.
Max chops his long locks to raise vital funds for Pilgrims
Max Smith, also known as Princess, reached the age of 10 without ever having a haircut; now, he’s had it all chopped off and gone to a Grade 1 cut. Max braved his shave to raise vital funds for the Little Princess Trust, which provides real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair due to illness, and for Pilgrims Hospices, after his grandad, Allan Trewinnard, was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury.
Not one to do things by halves, after bravely committing to have the full length cut off Max decided that the big chop would take place at his school. On 23 April, friends and classmates at Hampton Primary School in Herne Bay gathered to watch, chanting as Max’s hair dropped to the floor.
Max’s hair before the chop
Leila Ilkhan, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, went along to watch the action and to say a big thank you to Max for taking on such a personal challenge. Leila also helped the hairdresser from local salon Matt’s Cutting Room by cutting a section of Max’s hair herself.
When Allan was accessing Pilgrims services, Max saw first-hand how committed the nurses were to ensuring that his grandad was cared for in the best way possible. Fundraising for the charity is Max’s way of saying thank you to all the nurses and staff for supporting their family throughout Allan’s illness and afterwards.
Max raised an incredible £1,512 in total for both charities, enabling him to donate an amazing £800 to Pilgrims.
Lydia Todd, Community Fundraising Officer at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, welcomed the family to the Canterbury hospice to congratulate Max on his fantastic fundraising. They were all so proud, though Max still couldn’t believe all his hair had gone and wasn’t quite used to it. His mum, Frances, also said how strange it is to see Max with short hair, but everyone agreed that it had all been for a very worthy cause.
Watch Max’s haircut in action
Inspired to plan your own fundraising event or challenge for Pilgrims?
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
4th June 2018
Divas on Wheels charity cycle is back
Pilgrims Hospices popular ladies cycle will return on Sunday 24 June riding from a brand-new venue, The Independent Pedaler in Bridge near Canterbury.
Last year the Divas on Wheels charity cycle ride raised over £19,000. Pilgrims fundraising team hope even more cyclists will take part this year and raise more vital funds to provide important services for patients, families and friends who require specialist care and support.
Lydia Todd, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Officer, said: “I’m very excited about this event, the route is absolutely beautiful with lots of support along the way and plenty of pampering afterwards back at the Divas Village.
“You can even visit The Independent Pedaler for a pre-ride safety check.”
Cyclists can choose to ride either a 25-mile or 50-mile route through the countryside. If you’re new to cycling have no fear, dozens of Pilgrims Bike Heroes will join you, leading small groups or offering roadside repairs to anyone who needs it.
This year’s Divas on Wheels ride is encouraging riders on electric bikes to join the 100s of riders already registered for this female friendly ride. Sarah Treadwell and Elaine Wickham from E-Flow Cycles, electric bicycles specialists in Wealden Forest, are generously sponsoring the event for the second year, along with Pink Lady Apples and The Independent Pedaler, a cycling café that is providing the new venue for registration, start and finish and will be the home of the popular Divas Village for cyclists to relax and enjoy some pampering after the ride.
Sarah said: “We have around 30 riders from the E-Flow Riders Club who will be taking part with the regular cycles and hope for even more to join us. We’ve been selling electric bikes for two years now and have customers who have returned to cycling after years out of the saddle. It’s not an excuse for an easy ride, it’s an opportunity to take part in activities that perhaps you’ve not felt capable of previously. You can pick the level of effort you wish to put in and or just help with some extra pedal power on the rises.
“It’s brilliant for commuting; we also promote e-cycling to those who are less mobile. From post-op knee and hip rehab, to weight, health, age and fitness limitations, the electric assistance makes exercise achievable for everyone. E-bikes have revolutionised the way people think about cycling.”
Sarah and Elaine will also be part of the Pilgrims Bike Heroes team supporting riders along the journey.
Sarah and Elaine from E-Flow Cycles
The pair have raised over £6,000 for Pilgrims Hospices care over the year, which has included a cost to cost ride. “I feel strongly about supporting the care that Pilgrims provide; my nan was cared for in the Canterbury hospice some years ago. Our family have first-hand experience of the wonderful treatment she received as well as the aftercare my mum received at a point when she was most fragile and needed their support.
I feel strongly about supporting the care that Pilgrims provide.
Sarah
Last October, the E-Flow Cycles Club e-biked across the country, from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, through the Lake District and Pennines. They also climbed and descended Snowdon and visited various bike parks across the country. This year they are riding in Morzine, Les Gets and Les Arcs in the Alps.
Be part of this Pilgrims Hospices cycling event and help raise money for the next family who needs our care. Together, you can make a difference.
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
